Jordon Smith Confirms Departure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, Thanks Team
Jordon Smith has confirmed his departure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. Smith joined the team in June 2022, and made his debut with the team in 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross. After a few years hindered with injuries, Smith scored a podium in his first ride with the team (the 2023 Houston SX) and was able to score eight more 250SX podiums (nine total)—including a win at the San Francisco Supercross in January. In his final ride with Yamaha, Smith finished third overall at the SMX finale for his first overall podium in the hybrid supercross/motocross format. He finished fifth in the 250SMX championship standings both in 2023 and 2024.
Smith's time with Star Yamaha showed he is still capable of winning races. Before his San Francisco SX win on January 13, 2024, Smith's last win was aboard a Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F on March 10, 2018, nearly six years prior. The big thing for the North Carolina native was getting through the entire year healthy, which he did. Smith has been linked to a ride with Triumph Racing, so stay tuned over the next few weeks as new SMX contracts get announced.
Smith said the following in Yamaha’s post-race press release:
“It’s been a great year. We stayed healthy all year, which was one of my goals. I can’t thank the whole Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team enough. It feels good to be back on the podium and to put in some solid rides. We finally figured out the starts in the last race of the year, which I wish happened sooner, but overall I’m really happy with my riding throughout SMX and to end the season with a top-five in the championship.”
Jensen Hendler, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager, said the following:
"It was great to see Jordon on the podium as well, and to have him finish the season fifth in the championship."
Smith took to Instagram for more:
“Well what a season it was. I made it to every single race and was really happy with my riding all season.
P-3 last night to finish off with a podium. I’m glad to finish my time with @starracingyamaha on a high note and can’t thank them enough for the opportunity they gave me. Just a few years ago I lost my factory ride and didn’t know what the future held for me. I persevered and made it back to a factory team and I’m thankful for every single person that’s a part of the team! They are like family to me now and wouldn’t be back to where I’m at without them.
Now it’s time to enjoy a little break and recharge the batteries! 💪🏼👊🏼👍🏼”
